Recognizing Brain Cancer Awareness Month

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Ms. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, May is Brain Cancer Awareness month, and there are over 450,000 Americans living with primary malignant and non- malignant brain tumors in the United States. These range from primary brain tumors called Gliomas, including Glioblastomas, to secondary brain tumors that occur from metastases from other parts of the body.

Today, I want to recognize the work and efforts of a wonderful patient advocacy organization--Voices Against Brain Cancer (VABC). The organization is based in South Florida but assists families all over our Nation. Founded by Mr. Mario Lichtenstein, VABC was started in memory of his son, Gary Lichtenstein. Gary lost his fight with brain cancer on October 1, 2003 at the age of 24, just as he was starting his career in Chicago. After three months of radiation, Gary slipped into a coma from which he did not recover. Soon after his passing, Gary's family started Voices Against Brain Cancer Foundation to raise money and awareness for the fight against the illness. As its founder so bravely states, ``I couldn't save the life of my son, but perhaps I can save the life of others''.

The mission of Voices Against Brain Cancer is to find a cure for brain cancer by financing scientific research and increasing awareness within the medical community, as well as supporting patients, their families, and caregivers afflicted with this devastating disease. Through the years, VABC has funded scientific research at over 50 institutions in the United States and across the globe including Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the University of Miami.

Voices Against Brain Cancer also advocates for increased federal funding for brain tumor research at the National Institutes of Health and increased public awareness. The cure rate for most brain tumors is significantly lower than it is for many other types of cancers, a statistic VABC is driven to change. The organization champions specific patient-centered programs such as Survivor Reboot Groups, which supports brain cancer survivors, and the Caregiver Meet-Up, which brings caregivers together, meeting virtually or in person to share experiences. It also created the After the Storm Group, which is for those who have lost a loved one; the C3 program--Connect, Create, Collaborate which includes art, music, and yoga workshops, allowing people to collaborate with others going through similar situations; and finally Brain Cancer 101, an educational program.

Voices Against Brain Cancer has turned tragedy into purpose. As we close out Brain Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember Gary Lichtenstein and salute his family that has worked so hard to find more effective treatments and a cure for this terrible disease.

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